Africa's markets range from some with very low penetration rates - such as Ethiopia's, at less than a half of a percent - to the island of Reunion's, which stands at 76%. The area's growth potential is enormous, and growth has been vigorous, with the subscriber base increasing by almost 66% in 2005, according to Informa's studies. Informa is a London-based provider of business intelligence and strategic services to the global telecoms and media markets.
In some countries, operators have begun to adopt 3G technology, while in others basic mobile voice services are still new. Operators on different parts of the continent face different challenges, but there are a few common features that market insiders recognise as specific to the region.
"Building mobile phone networks in Africa is more cost-effective than investing in new network technologies in mature markets," says Informa's research manager Nigel Yeates. "This puts operators in a unique position, one not found in other parts of the world. With demand in many countries focusing on basic voice services, mobile operators can take advantage of more established, less expensive network equipment."
The conference will feature a diverse range of key speakers, from high-positioned industry executives to seasoned journalists and government officials. This year's speakers include names like Vonage's managing director Kerry Ritz, Somali provider Telsom Mobile's chairman Mohammed Sheikh and Phuthuma Nhleko, the chief executive officer of the pan-African MTN group.
"It is important that we hear from each of these speakers this year," says Yeates. "Competitors in Africa's markets must deal with a wide range of issues, from concerns about infrastructure and politics to questions about ways to increase content options and adapt technology to a market's specific needs. Each official or executive appearing this year will have something completely unique to contribute."
As part of Informa Telecom and Media's GSM>3G World Series, the conference will bring together representatives of every aspect of the communications industry, including operators, vendors, content providers and government officials.
The conference will give participants the opportunity to share their wares and update themselves on the latest solutions, advancements and innovations in the industry. The biggest names in the industry, giants such as Alcatel, Nokia and Blackberry, will display innovations and solutions at the exhibition that cater specifically to African operators' needs. The updated show floor features will make participants' experiences on the exhibition floor even more informative and productive.
"Our newest features have attracted more participants than ever before," said Informa's marketing manager Stephen Cassidy. "Now, attendees of the event can access an online networking tool, which allows them to interact with other attendees before, during and after the show.
"We are expecting a record turnout this year, and I believe it is partly due to the fact that each year we offer new and improved opportunities for learning and networking."
A major focus of this year's GSM>3G Africa conference will be satellite technology. "With limited network infrastructure and vast distances, Africa's operators often find delivering reliable, high-quality mobile services to be the biggest challenge," Yeates explains. "We handpicked experts this year who will be able to most comprehensively address this challenge, to the benefit of everyone who attends."
The two-day conference will feature case studies on providers in a range of African countries, as well as speakers and panels focusing on technology, regulation and content issues.
"Each day, attendees will be able to choose between two 'streams' of lectures and panels," Cassidy says. "One deals with technology, and the other is centred on strategies and services. We are putting the information exchange in the hands of participants this year, and letting them choose which subjects are most important to them."
Cassidy said the separation of the conference's content into different streams was designed to allow individual participants to reap the maximum benefits from the conference. "In a sense," he says, "we are letting attendees create their own conference - an experience tailored to their specific needs. This is just one way in which this event will be even better than the last."
For more information, go to www.gsm-3gworldseries.com/africa/pr1 and www.gsm-3gworldseries.com.
